NEXSENS T-Node FR Thermistor String User Guide

June 10, 2024
NEXSENS

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NEXSENS T-Node FR Thermistor String

QUICK START GUIDE

Wiring Connection Table 1

Receptacle Pin Wire Color
1 Green
2 Blue
3 Brown
4 Red
5 White
6 Yellow
7 Black
8 Orange

Figure 1: NexSens T-Node FR Thermistor String.

Overview

The T-Node FR Thermistor String is a temperature sensor string that can be used for temperature monitoring in water bodies. The sensor string is made up of multiple temperature nodes that can be connected together to form a string. The temperature readings can be obtained through a Modbus controller or a NexSens X2-Series data logger.
Sensor Information: The sensor string has a receptacle pin that can be connected to a UW-FLxR cable to obtain temperature readings. The wiring connection table provides details on how to connect the receptacle pin to the UW-FLxR cable. The sensor string has a pass-through for RS485-A, RS485-B, 12VDC, and GND. The Modbus-RTU Register Information Table 2 provides details on how to read the temperature using the Modbus controller. The Universal Modbus Address can be used to read the current node address.
Specs: The T-Node FR Thermistor String is programmed to respond to Modbus address 251. The temperature readings are provided in 32-bit Float Big-endian format. The sensor string can be connected to a NexSens X2-Series data logger for autodetection and temperature readings.
Figure 2: UW-FLxR receptacle cable pinout.
Note: The UW-Receptacle to flying lead cable is a separate accessory that may be purchased for integration with a third-party Modbus controller. It is not needed to connect the temperature string to a NexSens X2-Series data logger.

NexSens Data Logger Connection:

  1. Setup your data logger on WQData LIVE by following the included data logger quick start guide with your order.
  2. Plug the string into an open sensor port on the data logger for autodetection.
  3. After the next logger reading:
    • Confirm that all temperature nodes on the string have been recognized.
    • Ensure that each show valid temperature readings.
    • Gather a few readings before deployment.

IMPORTANT – BEFORE FIELD DEPLOYMENT:
Ensure to connect a UW plug on the last node of the string to prevent water intrusion.

Usage Instructions:

  1. Connect the T-Node FR Thermistor String receptacle pin to the UW-FLxR cable based on the wiring connection table.
  2. If using a Modbus controller, refer to the Modbus-RTU Register Information Table 2 to read the temperature.
  3. If using a NexSens X2-Series data logger, plug the string into an open sensor port for autodetection and temperature readings.
  4. Ensure that all temperature nodes on the string have been recognized and are showing valid temperature readings before deployment.
  5. Connect a UW-plug on the last node of the string to prevent water intrusion before field deployment.

For additional information, refer to the T-Node FR Resource Library on the NexSens Knowledge Base or contact NexSens at 937-426-2703 or visit their website at www.nexsens.com.

QUICK START GUIDE

Figure 1: NexSens T-Node FR Thermistor String.

Overview

The NexSens T-Node FR Thermistor String features a series of connected sensors containing integral titanium thermistors secured in protective housings. Each sensor is accurate to +/- 0.075°C. Readings stabilize within 60 seconds due to the thermistor’s direct contact with water. Temperature data is transmitted on an RS-485 Modbus RTU string bus for integration with data loggers and SCADA systems. The string is powered by 4-28 VDC for operation on a 12 or 24 VDC power supply. Strings terminate in a NexSens UW plug and receptacle connector, allowing additional sections or sensors to be added.

Sensor Information

Specs

  • Dimensions: 13.46 cm L x 3.56cm Dia. (5.3 “L x 1.4” Dia.)
  • Range: 0 to 45°C (32 to 113°F)
  • Resolution: 0.01°C
  • T90 Response Time: 60 seconds
  • Maximum Depth: 200m (656 ft.)
  • Maximum Length: 1219m (4000 ft.)

General

  • Power: 5-24 VDC
  • Protocol: RS-485 (Modbus-RTU)
  • Baud Rate: 19200
  • Parity: N81
  • Default Starting Address: 1*
  • Format: Big Endian
  • Timeout: 500 ms

On a T-Node FR string with multiple nodes, the nodes should be addressed in increasing numerical order.

Wiring Connection

Table 1: Wiring Table for UW-FLxR Cable.

Receptacle Pin

|

Wire Color

|

T-Node FR Signal

---|---|---
1| Green| RS485-A
2| Blue| RS485-B
3| Brown| Pass-Through
4| Red| 12VDC
5| White| —
6| Yellow| Pass-Through
7| Black| GND
8| Orange| Pass-Through

Figure 2: UW-FLxR receptacle cable pinout.
Note: The UW-Receptacle to flying lead cable is a separate accessory that may be purchased for integration with a third-party Modbus controller. It is not needed to connect the temperature string to a NexSens X2-Series data logger.

Modbus-RTU Register Information

Table 2: Read temperature.

Function 0x04 (Read Input Registers)

Registers

|

Data Type

|

Data Size

|

Purpose

0x0006,0x0007

|

32-bit Float Big-endian

|

2 Registers

| Requests the temperature recorded in °C.

Example Input: 01,04,00,06,00,02,91, CA

  • Requests the temperature reading from address 1.

Example Output: 01,04,04,41,AF,38,1D,0C,50

  • The sensor responds with 0x41af381d (21.9024°C).

Table 3: Change Modbus address.

Function 0x10 (Write Multiple Registers)

Registers

|

Data Type

|

Data Size

|

Purpose

0x1000

|

16-bit integer

|

1 Register

| Changes the Modbus address of the first node on the TS210 string*.

Assuming the first node of the string begins with address 1

Example Input: 01,10,10,00,00,01,02,00,05,77,92

  • Changes Modbus address from 1 to 5.

Example Output: 01,10,10,00,00,01,05,09

  • The sensor responds acknowledging the new address.

Universal Modbus Address
The T-Node FR is programmed such that any sensor will respond to Modbus address 251. This is implemented in the event that the sensor’s current address is unknown.
Note: This address should only be queried with one sensor connected to the data line. If more than one sensor is connected, both will respond and a bad message is likely.

Table 4: Read the current address using the universal address.

Function 0x04 (Read Input Registers)

Registers

|

Data Type

|

Data Size

|

Purpose

0x1000

|

16-bit integer

|

1 Register

| Uses the universal address

(251) to read the current node address.

Example Input: FB,04,10,00,00,01,21,50

  • Uses universal address (FB) to read current address.

Example Output: FB,04,02,00,07,20, E6

  • The current Modbus address is 7 (0x0007).

NexSens Data Logger Connection

Setup your data logger on WQData LIVE by:

Plug the string into an open sensor port on the data logger for autodetection.
After the next logger reading:

  • Confirm that all temperature nodes on the string have been recognized.
  • Ensure that each shows valid temperature readings.
  • Gather a few readings before deployment.

IMPORTANT – BEFORE FIELD DEPLOYMENT: Ensure to connect a UW plug on the last node of the string to prevent water intrusion.
For additional information, please reference the T-Node FR Resource Library on the NexSens Knowledge Base. nexsens.com/tnodekb.

References

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